The rock spirit sighed; it wasn't as though it could just remove its rock armor at will. After all, it had only managed to obtain such fine armor after eating a truly incredible quantity of rock.

Upon hearing that it would have to 'disrobe' in order to ascend the mountain, the rock spirit reared back. "I apologize, but it doesn't look like I'll be able to accompany you up the mountain."

"Very well. Wait here for me and don't cause a disturbance." Zhang Lie sprouted a pair of wings from his back and turned to the white-haired crag eagle. "I'll head up with you."

The two of them flew toward the top of the peak as Zhang Lie murmured, "Your elder seems to hold a very important...